Product classification
HS code for Lithium: 2805.19
Alkali or alkali-earth metals, other than sodium and calcium.
Classification of lithium under HS 2805.19
Lithium in its elemental, metallic form is classified under HS code 2805.19. Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System deals with inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Heading 2805 specifically covers alkali or alkaline-earth metals, rare-earth metals, scandium, and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed, and mercury. Lithium is the lightest of the alkali metals. The heading is subdivided into specific metals: 2805.11 for sodium and 2805.12 for calcium. Since lithium does not have its own specific six-digit subheading, it falls under the residual category 2805.19, which covers \"Other\" alkali or alkaline-earth metals. This classification is strictly for the chemical element in its metallic state. It includes lithium in various physical forms such as ingots, wires, or foils, provided they are not worked into specific finished articles. The purity of the metal does not generally affect its classification under this heading, provided it has not been alloyed to the extent that it takes on the character of a different product or falls under the definitions of base metals in Section XV. It is important to note that this code is for the raw metal, not for chemical compounds or finished batteries.
- Covers
- Pure lithium metal ingots
- Lithium metal rods
- Lithium foil (unalloyed)
- Lithium granules for industrial use
- Also under 2805.19
- Albemarle (lithium)
- Livent (lithium)
- Rusal (magnesium)
- Materion (beryllium)
Codes often confused with 2805.19
Common mistake. Lithium metal is often confused with lithium compounds like lithium carbonate, which is classified under HS code 2836.91. It is also frequently misclassified under HS code 8506.50 or 8507.60 when the user is actually searching for lithium batteries. Additionally, lithium ores (such as spodumene) are classified in Chapter 25 under HS code 2530.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280519 (the code used for lithium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280519 (the code used for lithium) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 62% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 280519, not only lithium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $65M 38% of world exports
- 2 Germany $47M 27% of world exports
- 3 United States $36M 21% of world exports
World total: $173M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $296M 62% of world imports
- 2 United States $21M 4.5% of world imports
- 3 India $20M 4.1% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $474M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for lithium
Brazil splits HS 2805.19 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2805.19.10Strontium metal
- 2805.19.20Barium metal
- 2805.19.90Other alkali or alkaline-earth metals
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lithium
What is the HS code for Lithium?
The HS code for Lithium is 280519 (Alkali or alkali-earth metals; other than sodium and calcium).
How do I classify Lithium for customs?
Lithium is classified under HS code 280519 — Alkali or alkali-earth metals; other than sodium and calcium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for lithium metal?
The HS code for lithium metal is 2805.19.
Is lithium ore classified under the same code?
No, lithium ores and concentrates are classified under HS code 2530.90 as mineral substances not elsewhere specified.
Which countries are the top exporters of lithium (HS 280519)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280519 (the code used for lithium) in UN Comtrade data were China ($65M, 38% of world exports), Germany ($47M) and the United States ($36M). World exports came to about $173M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of lithium (HS 280519)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280519 (the code used for lithium) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($296M, 62% of world imports), the United States ($21M) and India ($20M). World imports came to about $474M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Lithium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280519 for Lithium is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for lithium in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 280519 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for lithium depends on the product's details: 2805.19.10 (Strontium metal), 2805.19.20 (Barium metal), 2805.19.90 (Other alkali or alkaline-earth metals).